Three salesmen working for a firm that makes industrial lubricants are waiting in the company's "hospitality suite" at a manufacturers' convention for a "big kahuna" named Dick Fuller to show up, in hopes they… MoreThree salesmen working for a firm that makes industrial lubricants are waiting in the company's "hospitality suite" at a manufacturers' convention for a "big kahuna" named Dick Fuller to show up, in hopes they can persuade him to place an order that could salvage the company's flagging sales. Phil (Danny DeVito) is in his mid-50s; he's devoted his life to his job but emotionally has little to show for it. He's learned to live with the loneliness of a salesman's life, but is smarting over the recent collapse of his marriage and is trying to quit drinking. Bob (Peter Facinelli) is a quiet but observant newcomer in his 20s, recently married and adjusting to his first business trip. And Larry (Kevin Spacey) is a bundle of energy who likes to drink, smoke, and start arguments; he's openly confrontational with Phil and Bob and quick to pick up on their foibles and failings. Phil and Larry become more impatient and bitter as the evening wears on, especially when they learn that "the big kahuna" already dropped by the suite; wearing someone else's name tag, he had a few drinks, talked with Bob about the recent death of his dog and Christianity, and never mentioned placing an order. Screenwriter Roger Rueff based the script on his play +Hospitality Suite; Kevin Spacey was a co-producer as well as starring as Larry.

Larry Mann: Did you mention perhaps what line of industrial lubricants Jesus would have endorsed?
"Every sale begins with a smile."
The Big Kahuna… MoreLarry Mann: Did you mention perhaps what line of industrial lubricants Jesus would have endorsed?
"Every sale begins with a smile."
The Big Kahuna is one of those one room, all dialogue movies. If you can't take a lot of conversation in movies, this is definitely not for you. That's all it is. Three guys in a hospitality room at a hotel talking. They are salesmen for industrial lubricants and they are having a convention in which they will try to land a big time client.
Two of the three are veterans, the third is a young newbie to the scene. The young one is also a religious man who let's his views on Jesus show more than his views on salesmanship. There's no real plot to be seen in The Big Kahuna. There's ideas and there's a lot of good dialogue, but not real plot. That isn't necessarily a bad thing either. I like movies like this as long as they can find a way to be entertaining.
I liked The Big Kahuna enough. Kevin Spacey is terrific in roles like this where he can talk a lot and on occasion scream. He's definitely the selling point for the whole film. Add Danny Devito to the mix and everything gets a little more interesting, even though there's not that much going on that I'd consider interesting.

Tsubaki Sanjuro

Well written and acted dialogue-driven film, something rare these days, about the dog-eats-dog world of big company business. It does get preachy towards the… MoreWell written and acted dialogue-driven film, something rare these days, about the dog-eats-dog world of big company business. It does get preachy towards the end, and way too religious, but it's still an enjoyable ride. With the 3 leads very spot on in their roles.

Dannielle Albert

I absolutely adore thinking movies. This movie was very dialouge driven, chock-full of memorable quotes. It's is an intriguing, philosophical movie about… MoreI absolutely adore thinking movies. This movie was very dialouge driven, chock-full of memorable quotes. It's is an intriguing, philosophical movie about character, understanding the self, and faith.

a b

Really dated, low budget, but Kevin Spacey and Danny DeVito make it interesting.

Lucas Martins

Wonderful! A simple and terrific film that is very well written and bring three good actors. Fresh.

Michael Gildea

Pretty disappointing. Film versions of plays are either incredible or a total dud. This wasn't one of the incredible ones.

Deb S

The Big Kahuna is the story of three industrial lubricant sales guys in a Wichita hotel room expecting an important client. The irony and sarcasm oozing in the… MoreThe Big Kahuna is the story of three industrial lubricant sales guys in a Wichita hotel room expecting an important client. The irony and sarcasm oozing in the dialogue between Spacey and the other two is what makes this film worth watching. Spacey, as usual, is excellent and the final scene with him is his best, where the bluntness of his character is finally terminated, and he shows deep feeling while DeVito is the middle aged man trying to recover from the shreds of a mid-life crisis and beginning to understand what's really important in life. Facinelli holds his own as the young believer on fire for God. As it is so often the case in real life, there is no real conclusion.

Film Crazy

I dont get it! Like its a good movie if you base it on Spaceys an Devitos acting and the fact it is wel written in the comedy part wth a few really good laugh… MoreI dont get it! Like its a good movie if you base it on Spaceys an Devitos acting and the fact it is wel written in the comedy part wth a few really good laugh out loud moments and the story is ok i understand there after a big sale but i dont understand why a guy whose really religious would ignore his job and talk about religion ? it just started to irritate me, i mean yes the story is good but i just dont see the point in the religious freak who thinks its more important to speak and spread thje word of god rather than try and get this sale by talking about lubricant which is his job! i just dont get it !
Apart from that its a funny movie but nothing more!

Jeffrey Meyers

A simple story, but told well, with good writing, and even better line delivery from Kevin Spacey and Danny DeVito. I appreciated the film's take on belief… MoreA simple story, but told well, with good writing, and even better line delivery from Kevin Spacey and Danny DeVito. I appreciated the film's take on belief systems, featuring some pretty insightful commentary, though I didn't agree with all of it. Being based on a play, the film did feel rather confined, but ultimately it's a dialogue-driven narrative anyway.
3.5/5 Stars

Mike T.

Spacey and DeVito deliver calculated, engaging performances, and Peter Facinelli is convincing as well. This film deserves credit for the caliber of acting, and… MoreSpacey and DeVito deliver calculated, engaging performances, and Peter Facinelli is convincing as well. This film deserves credit for the caliber of acting, and for the quality of the Mamet-esque writing. It veers into surprising territory towards the ending, with copious amounts of religious discussion and questioning. It takes a little while to warm up to, but it's an insightful and intelligent film worth seeing.